In a thrilling match held on Sunday at São Januário Stadium, Rayan Vitor emerged as the hero, netting two goals to propel Vasco da Gama to a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Vitória in the 27th round of the tournament. The home side’s scoring was opened by Nuno Moreira in the 6th minute, followed by Rayan Vitor’s strikes at the 52nd minute (penalty) and again at the 67th minute. GB added another for Vasco at the 52nd minute. For Vitória, Aitor Cantalapiedra (25th minute), Lucas Halter (33rd minute), and Raúl Cáceres (71st minute) found the net, keeping the pressure on the home side throughout the match.
Aitor Cantalapiedra electrified the crowd with his goal in the 25th minute, finishing skillfully from the edge of the penalty area after a perfect setup from Erick.
GB was also notable, contributing significantly by scoring a goal and showcasing excellent form throughout the game.
Rayan Vitor not only scored twice but was active in the attack with five attempts on goal, making him a key player for Vasco in this encounter.
Vasco’s head coach, Fernando Diniz Silva, employed a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Léo Jardim in goal, with a defensive line of Paulo Henrique, Hugo Moura, Robert Renan, and José Luis Rodríguez. In midfield, Tchê Tchê, Philippe Coutinho, and Cauan Barros coordinated the plays, while Rayan Vitor, Pablo Vegetti, and Nuno Moreira made up the attacking front.
On the other hand, Vitória, directed by Jair Ventura, set up in a 5-4-1 formation with Lucas Arcanjo as the keeper. The defense comprised Raúl Cáceres, Lucas Halter, Camutanga, Zé Marcos, and Maykon. The midfield consisted of Baralhas, Aitor Cantalapiedra, Ronald Lopes, and Erick, supporting striker Renato Kayzer.
The match was officiated by Fernando Mendes de Salles Nascimento Filho.
Looking ahead, Vasco da Gama will visit Fortaleza in the next round, while Vitória will face Bahia at home, where they will aim to claim victory in the classic Ba-Vi.
As the dust settles on this match, Vasco finds themselves with 33 points, seated in 10th place on the standings, while Vitória lingers at 25 points, positioned 17th in the league.
Substitutions for Vasco da Gama
45’ 2T – José Luis Rodríguez left for Lucas Pitón, and Pablo Vegetti was replaced by Andres Gómez.
77’ 2T – Cauan Barros was substituted by Matheus França.
89’ 2T – Tchê Tchê was taken out for GB.
Yellow Cards for Vasco da Gama:
38’ 1T – Robert Renan (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Vitória
79’ 2T – Erick was replaced by Claudinho, Aitor Cantalapiedra by Osvaldo, Ronald Lopes by Dudu, and Nuno Moreira by David.
87’ 2T – Renato Kayzer was substituted by Romarinho.
92’ 2T – Camutanga left the field for Neris.
Yellow Cards for Vitória:
20’ 2T – Lucas Halter (Insulting or dissenting the referee); 52’ 2T – Zé Marcos (Insulting or dissenting the referee).
Red Card for Vitória:
24’ 2T – Lucas Halter (Red for second yellow card).